Syracuse, New York has emerged as a frontrunner in championing LGBTQ+ equality, earning a perfect score of 100 in the 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) conducted by the esteemed nonprofit Human Rights Campaign. The MEI assesses how cities across the United States support the rights and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community through analyzing municipal policies, laws, and services.
Committed to embracing diversity and fostering opportunities for everyone, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh declared, “Our vision is for Syracuse to be a growing city that embraces diversity and creates opportunity for all.” This glowing endorsement highlights the city’s unwavering determination to achieve its inclusive vision.
The 2023 MEI report, which provides a comprehensive overview of cities’ performance in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, can be accessed at the Human Rights Campaign’s official website: www.hrc.org/mei. The report offers valuable insights into LGBTQ+ supportive initiatives and benchmarks set by municipalities across the country.
Keeping the momentum going, Mayor Walsh has announced the city’s intention to broaden the influence of its LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. Established in June 2020, the board plays a crucial role in advising the city on LGBTQ+-related policies, programs, procedures, and training. To bolster its impact, the board is actively seeking applicants who can contribute valuable perspectives and feedback. If you are interested in joining the advisory board, application information can be found at https://www.syr.gov/Living/Our-Community/Volunteer/Resident-Engagement.
Syracuse shares its prestigious position with five other New York cities that also achieved top scores on the MEI: Albany, Ithaca, New York City, Rochester, and Yonkers. Buffalo, another noteworthy municipality, secured an impressive score of 97. This collective success emphasizes New York State’s dedication to fostering LGBTQ+ equality and serving as a model for jurisdictions across the nation.
FAQ:
Q: What is the Municipal Equality Index (MEI)?
A: The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is an annual assessment conducted by the Human Rights Campaign to evaluate how cities in the United States support LGBTQ+ equality through analyzing municipal policies, laws, and services.
Q: How did Syracuse perform in the 2023 MEI report?
A: Syracuse earned a perfect score of 100 in the 2023 MEI report, solidifying its position as one of the top cities in the country for LGBTQ+ equality.
Q: Which other cities in New York state scored high in the 2023 MEI?
A: Albany, Ithaca, New York City, Rochester, and Yonkers also achieved top scores in the 2023 MEI, highlighting their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
Q: How can I apply to join Syracuse’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board?
A: To apply for Syracuse’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, you can find application information at https://www.syr.gov/Living/Our-Community/Volunteer/Resident-Engagement.